China’s rival to Boeing and Airbus delivers first homegrown plane

December 9, 2022 - China Eastern Airlines has become the first recipient of the single-aisle Comac C919, a milestone in China’s aviation ambitions as it bids to compete with Airbus and Boeing.

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While the C919 delivery is significant, the plane faces an uphill battle to challenge the European and American manufacturing duopoly. Airbus received one of its biggest orders ever from China over summer and Boeing planes are widely used in the country.

While a Chinese aircraft programme, the C919 relies heavily on Western technology, including for its engines – CFM International Leap-1Cs – as well as cockpit control and interior systems from Collins Aerospace.